Laxmi Keshav Temple
The Laxmi Keshav Temple in Kolisare is a place of ethereal beauty, tucked away in a dense, jungle-like valley. This temple is famous for its stunning idol of Lord Vishnu (Keshav), which is carved from a single piece of rare black Shaligram stone brought from the Gandaki River in Nepal. The idol is about 5 feet tall and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of ancient sculpture in Maharashtra. It features intricate carvings of the Dashavatar (ten incarnations of Vishnu) around the main deity. The temple itself is a simple, elegant structure that sits at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by towering trees and a natural stream that flows year-round. This stream, known as the 'Teertha,' provides holy water that is used for the daily anointing of the deity. The atmosphere here is remarkably cool and silent, even during the peak of summer, thanks to the thick forest canopy that blocks out the sun. Legend has it that the idol was hidden in a local pond for years to protect it from invaders before being installed in its current location in 1510. The walk down to the temple involves descending about 150 to 200 stone steps, which are shaded by mango and cashew trees. Visitors often feel as if they have stepped back in time into a Vedic age hermitage. The temple is not just a religious site but a natural sanctuary where the biodiversity of the Konkan is preserved. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking silence and a deep connection with nature and art:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 HoursPlace Type:
Religious / NatureSpecial Events:
Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spot The Idol: The main deity is the most photographed object due to its beauty.
Photo Spot Forest Steps: The stone steps winding through the green forest.
Photo Spot The Stream:
Read MorePhoto Spot The Idol: The main deity is the most photographed object due to its beauty.
Photo Spot Forest Steps: The stone steps winding through the green forest.
Photo Spot The Stream:
The clear water flowing over mossy rocks:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Worship: Witness the morning Abhishek where the deity is bathed with the holy stream water.
Photography: Capture the intricate details of the Dashavatar carvings on the black stone idol.
Nature Walk: Explore the dense forest surrounding the temple to see local flora.
Birding: Look for the Malabar Whistling Thrush and other forest birds in the canopy.
Trekking: Walk the stone steps and explore the old village paths of Kolisare.
Meditation: Sit by the stream and listen to the water for a calming experience.
Botanical Study: Identify the various spice plants like pepper and cinnamon growing wild.
Local Interaction: Talk to the templ...Worship: Witness the morning Abhishek where the deity is bathed with the holy stream water.
Photography: Capture the intricate details of the Dashavatar carvings on the black stone idol.
Nature Walk: Explore the dense forest surrounding the temple to see local flora.
Birding: Look for the Malabar Whistling Thrush and other forest birds in the canopy.
Trekking: Walk the stone steps and explore the old village paths of Kolisare.
Meditation: Sit by the stream and listen to the water for a calming experience.
Botanical Study: Identify the various spice plants like pepper and cinnamon growing wild.
Local Interaction: Talk to the temple priests about the history of the idol's journey from Nepal.
Picnic: Have a quiet packed lunch in the shaded temple courtyard.
Souvenirs: Buy local forest honey if available from the villagers nearby:
Information
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Why Famous:
Famous Idol: Famous for the rare and beautiful Shaligram Vishnu idol from Nepal.
Famous Forest: Known for its "Village in a Jungle" setting.
Famous Holy Water: The perennial stream flowing from the mountain ...Famous Idol: Famous for the rare and beautiful Shaligram Vishnu idol from Nepal.
Famous Forest: Known for its "Village in a Jungle" setting.
Famous Holy Water: The perennial stream flowing from the mountain is considered sacred: -
Architecture:
Style: Simple single-storeyed Konkani structure with a tiled roof.
Dimensions: The idol is 5 feet tall. The temple hall is approximately 40x25 feet.
Craftsmanship: The Shaligram stone carving is the highli...Style: Simple single-storeyed Konkani structure with a tiled roof.
Dimensions: The idol is 5 feet tall. The temple hall is approximately 40x25 feet.
Craftsmanship: The Shaligram stone carving is the highlight, showcasing exquisite detail in the ornaments and the four hands of the Lord holding the Shankh, Chakra, Gada, and Padma: -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Ratnagiri.
By Train: Ratnagiri Railway Station is 40km away.
By Road: Travel from Ganpatipule via the Chafe road.
By Local Transport: Best reached...By Air: Nearest airport is Ratnagiri.
By Train: Ratnagiri Railway Station is 40km away.
By Road: Travel from Ganpatipule via the Chafe road.
By Local Transport: Best reached by private car or hired taxi from Ganpatipule: -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter: November to February is ideal.
Summer: March to May is actually very pleasant here due to the forest cover.
Monsoon: June to September makes the forest very lush but the steps can be slippery.Winter: November to February is ideal.
Summer: March to May is actually very pleasant here due to the forest cover.
Monsoon: June to September makes the forest very lush but the steps can be slippery.
Time:
Afternoon is cool and quiet: -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Ganpatipule (20km), 2. Prachin Konkan (19km), 3. Jaigad Fort (15km), 4. Aare Ware Beach (25km), 5. Ratnagiri (40km), 6. Malgund (18km), 7. Bhandarpule (22km), 8. Jai Vinayak Temple (12km), 9. Pawas (55km), 10. Hedvi (40km).
Tourism Tips
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Safety: Watch out for monkeys; don't carry open food.
Packing: Wear sturdy shoes for the stairs.
Accommodation: Stay in Ganpatipule as Kolisare has limited options.
Cash: C...Safety: Watch out for monkeys; don't carry open food.
Packing: Wear sturdy shoes for the stairs.
Accommodation: Stay in Ganpatipule as Kolisare has limited options.
Cash: Carry enough cash for taxi fare.
Connectivity:
Mobile network is very weak in the valley:
Reviews
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